Preparing Your Home for Sale: Maximum Impact, Minimum Stress

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In real estate, this is your golden rule. A home that “shows well” invariably sells faster and for a premium price.

Our goal isn’t to make you spend a fortune before you sell. Instead, we want to help you focus on the smart improvements—low-cost, high-impact tweaks that help buyers fall in love with your property the moment they pull up to the kerb.

Here is our guide to getting your home “Open Home Ready.”

Step 1: The “Drive-By” Test

Walk out to the street, turn around, and look at your property as if you were a stranger. What is the first thing you see?

• Soft Wash, Don’t Blast: A professional exterior house wash can make paintwork look brand new. We recommend a “soft wash” to protect your weatherboards and seals. Don’t forget the fences, decks, and gutters.
• Tamper with the Greenery: Pruning trees isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about light. Cut back anything blocking natural light from entering your windows.
• Lawns & Edges: This is the cheapest facelift available. Keep lawns mowed weekly and, crucially, trim the edges. Crisp edges suggest a well-maintained home.
• Entrance Appeal: Place a few vibrant pot plants near the front door. It adds a pop of colour and signals “welcome” before the buyer even steps inside.

Step 2: Inside the Home – Creating Space & Light

Buyers aren’t just buying bricks and mortar; they are buying a feeling. You want your home to feel spacious, bright, and calm.

• The Great Declutter: Space is valuable. If you have to squeeze past furniture, it needs to go. Pack up knick-knacks, clear the countertops, and consider storing excess furniture in the garage or off-site.
• Sparkle & Shine: A deep “spring clean” is non-negotiable. professionally clean the carpets to remove odours (especially if you have pets) and wash the windows inside and out to let the view in.
• Set the Mood: Before an open home, ensure the home is at a comfortable temperature. In winter, have the fire crackling or the heat pump on; in summer, open the doors for a cross-breeze. Fresh flowers on the dining table never go out of style.
• Pet Etiquette: We love animals, but buyers might not. Remove pet bowls and beds for viewings, and ideally, take the dogs out for a walk during open homes.

Step 3: High-Impact Updates (Kitchens & Bathrooms)

You don’t always need a full renovation. Focus on the rooms that add the most value.

• The Kitchen: As the heart of the home, this room sells houses. If a full remodel isn’t in the budget, consider replacing just the cupboard handles or the cabinet doors while keeping the carcasses. A modern benchtop can also transform a tired space instantly.
• Bathrooms & Laundry: These must be spotless. Treat any mildew with a commercial cleaner and ensure taps aren’t dripping. If the flooring is damaged, replacing it with a modern, neutral option is often worth the investment to remove any “what’s hiding under there?” doubts.
• Paint: A fresh coat of paint offers the highest Return on Investment of any renovation. If your walls are looking tired, a coat of neutral, modern white can brighten the whole house.

Step 4: The Paperwork (Due Diligence)

Nothing kills a sale faster than surprise paperwork issues. Get ahead of the game:

• Consents: If you have done major work (decks, fireplaces, extensions), ensure you have the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) ready.
• Chattels List: Be clear about what stays and what goes. If you are taking the grand chandelier or the garden statues, note them as “Excluded Chattels” in the contract from day one to avoid arguments later.

Need a second opinion? We are happy to walk through your home and give you honest, objective advice on what needs fixing and what you can leave as-is.

Book a Free Property Preparation Appraisal